Apple’s Vision Pro is getting the M5 chip, but that’s not what it really needs

Apple’s M4 chip family isn’t even fully here yet — we’re still waiting on the M4 Ultra to make its debut — and now, news of the M5 chip entering production has surfaced. This means we could see it in Macs as soon as late this year or early next year. If you’ve been holding off on upgrading to a MacBook Pro, 2026 might just be the year to make the leap. Apple is rumored to redesign its flagship laptop next year, and pairing that with the powerful M5 chip could make it worth the wait.

But there’s another device the M5 chip is stirring up speculation for: Apple’s Vision Pro headset. On the surface, this sounds promising. The M5 is expected to boost performance and improve efficiency, which could translate to better battery life for the Vision Pro. Yet, there’s more to this story — and it’s not all straightforward.

One intriguing possibility is the integration of Apple Intelligence, the company’s AI system, into the M5-powered Vision Pro. While the current Vision Pro, equipped with the M2 chip, is capable of running AI on Macs, it struggles to handle AI in the headset due to its intense processing demands. Adding AI capabilities to the Vision Pro could make sense for Apple as it aims to establish itself more firmly in the AI market. But for current and potential Vision Pro users, does it truly add value? That’s less clear.

The Bigger Issue: Affordability

At $3,500, the Vision Pro is priced well beyond the reach of most consumers, and unsurprisingly, sales reflect that. A cheaper model feels like the most obvious way to revive interest, but instead, Apple appears to be focusing on chip improvements and AI integration.

It’s worth noting that developing a more affordable model takes time, especially if it wasn’t part of Apple’s original plan and has been prompted by disappointing sales. Still, is doubling down on AI and a powerful new chip really the right move? The Vision Pro is already one of the most advanced, feature-packed virtual reality headsets on the market. That level of sophistication is part of why the price is so high. Adding the M5 chip and AI won’t make the headset any more accessible to the average consumer.

On top of that, Apple Intelligence isn’t fully ready to deliver a game-changing experience. While it has potential, it will need significant refinement before it can make a meaningful impact on the Vision Pro — or convince buyers that the headset is worth the investment.

Sure, AI could help users navigate the Vision Pro’s interface or offer a more intuitive way of interacting with the headset (imagine asking Siri for help when you’re stuck). But those benefits mean little if the price remains prohibitively high for most people.

Looking Ahead

The M5 chip upgrade might be part of Apple’s strategy to keep the Vision Pro relevant while it works on a more affordable version, which is reportedly in development. But this highlights a deeper issue: the Vision Pro needs more than just incremental upgrades. It needs a complete rethink.

There’s room for the current Vision Pro to continue as a model for enthusiasts or those who can afford to spend $3,500 without hesitation. For this audience, the M5 chip will likely be a welcome improvement. But for everyone else, affordability matters far more.

Apple’s long-term vision might eventually include a cheaper Vision Pro, but it seems we won’t see that until at least 2028. Until then, Apple will have to rely on updates like the M5 chip to maintain interest and keep the Vision Pro relevant. Whether that strategy will be enough remains to be seen.